What is Digital Research Infrastructure?
Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) is the collection of tools, services, and resources that enable researchers to efficiently and securely work with data and computation across various research and innovation challenges. If you work in DRI, your job title might be Research Infrastructure Engineer, Research Software Engineer, Data Manager, Librarian or Academic Researcher. Many people aren't aware they work in DRI, but if any of this sounds familiar, you may be interested in our Digital Research Infrastructure Retreat.
What is the DRI Retreat?
The DRI Retreat is a five-day residential meeting comprising panel discussions and group sessions for technology specialists to develop soft skills and network with peers. This is the third year we have run the event in collaboration with UKRI.
What is the schedule for the event?
The first day (Monday 13 January) will start with registration and refreshments from 09:00 with the first session commencing at 10:45.
The rest of the days will start at 09:30 and finish at 16:30 with a half-hour (15:00 - 15:30) refreshment break in the afternoon. There will also be a morning refreshment break and a lunch break. This is to assist with work and childcare responsibilities.
Breakfast for those staying at the hotel and lunch for all attendees will be in the hotel restaurant.
The panel list is available here.
Where will the DRI Retreat be held?
The retreat will be held at the Pendulum Hotel Manchester (also known as the Manchester Conference Centre) on Sackville Street, Manchester. It is NOT held at the Manchester Central Convention Complex.
The retreat will also be streamed live online, and a facilitator in the room will ask any questions from online attendees to the panel. You can attend fully in-person or fully online, or a mix of both. There will also be space to dip out of panels if you need to work or participate in a meeting. If you would like to attend hybrid, please fill out the form as if you are attending in person.
What will it cost to attend the DRI Retreat?
It is FREE to attend the DRI Retreat. If you are given a place, there is no charge for tickets and accommodation will be booked automatically if you have requested it on the application form. Breakfast and lunch will be provided at the venue for free and a conference dinner will be provided on Tuesday night. There is the option to have travel reimbursed if needed after the event.
How do I sign up to the DRI Retreat?
You must apply to be given a place at the DRI Retreat. This is to ensure a fair balance of professions, career stages, and backgrounds. Fill out the form below to apply for a place.
How can I become a panellist at the DRI Retreat?
We are still accepting expressions of interest to become a panellist at the 2025 retreat until Friday 1 November. We especially encourage early career professionals and those underrepresented in their fields to apply. All panellists will be provided with a place at the retreat.
Panellist expression of interest
When do I need to apply?
The deadline for attendees to apply for a place is Friday 15 November.
I'm not sure I'm eligible to attend the retreat
We encourage anyone who feels they may benefit from this event to apply for a place regardless of your seniority, job title, or if you have attended before. Unlike our other events, anyone at any institution or organisation is eligible for a place. If you are not awarded a place in person, you will be awarded a place online.